The conditions at the above hospital seemed to have improved when visited on, 18th June. The number of patients had reduced to 1000. The number of patients keep fluctuating, as a result of patients needing isolation; being brought in from the IDP Camps, on a regular basis. Similarly they are discharged once the disease has run its course. The hospital seemed more organised due to the number of patients being almost halved, at the time. Our delivery of medicine was much appreciated. Act could help by replenishing medicines on request by the Doctor in charge.
Dr. Vijayakumar, who was handling all these patients single-handedly, has been having a visiting doctor from Vavuniya, to help him, Still the numbers are too high for two doctors to manage. Getting more relief doctors would be a great help!
There were only two nurses at the time, but they seemed to be managing with some help from Sri Lankan red cross workers. The improvement of the bathing facilities and the building of more toilets, have been undertaken by a citizens group who are presently supplying the hospital with the necessary nutritional foods. They are also in the process of getting the drinking water tested in the hope of getting it purified. For the moment, they have supplied the hospital with large boilers to manage the drinking water.
Next visit is planned for the 6th of July. Dr. Vijayakumar, will forward ACT a list of required medicines closer to the date.
Fifty sets of External Fixators were delivered to the above hospital. These are used on amputees so they can accept artificial limbs at a later date.
At the time of delivery we met up with Dr. Bhavani Pasupothyrajah to get an update on the present situation.
The number of patients were down to a 1000 on that day. However she mentioned that the disease pattern had changed completely. She reported types of encephalitis, respiratory infections and a few cases of meningitis. This calls for different types of medicines and she has supplied ACT with a new list of required medicines. We at ACT, are currently purchasing these medicines under advisement of Professor Sheriffdeen. Some should be delivered this Sunday.
The team finished their visit to Menik Farm and Cheddikulam and a full report and proposal will be released soon. Both areas can be supplied with medicine and equipment, as well as liquid nutrition.
Moving onto Phase 2, ACT is also beginning to explore options in terms of shelter, education and water and sanitation. There is a garbage situation due to overcrowding and the camps are now expanding into zones 5 and 6. Those, in turn, need medical support. ACT is looking into how it can help with the sanitation issues.
We are also looking into supporting some of the orphans in Zone Four, especially with education.
This will be detailed in the upcoming report and proposal
ACT is mounting another toy drive for kids in the north. Based on our experience with the first delivery we’re focusing more on interactive toys, things kids can use to play together.
Our volunteer Annika has arranged for wholesale pricing from Bambino’s on Galle Road. You can contribute by either dropping of toys at the address below or contacting 0777 686 787 to arrange a donations.
Note that ACT is transporting toys in addition to urgent medical supplies because many children are affected and they need hope as well as medicines.
Delivery Address for Toys – 78, Barnes Place, Colombo 7
| Carrom board with seeds small |
500.00 |
| Carrom board with seeds medium |
725.00 |
| Carrom board with seeds large |
1,550.00 |
| Badminton sets medium quality steel |
310.00 |
| Badminton sets good quality steel |
500.00 |
| Badminton sets wooden |
150.00 |
| Soccer ball normal quality |
380.00 |
| Tennis balls (pack of 3) |
200.00 |
| Cricket bat, Size 1 + 2 |
130.00 |
| Cricket bat, Size 3 + 4 |
150.00 |
| Colouring in book |
70.00 – 200.00 |
| Crayons 24 pcs |
50.00 |
| Colour pencils |
40.00 |
| Soothers (per dozen) |
415.00 |
| Small car |
25.00 |
| Flute |
20.00 |
| Small doll |
20.00 |
| Skipping rope |
60.00 |
| Beach ball Large |
60.00 |
| Squeaky toys |
75.00 |
| Rattles |
30.00 |
| Car |
65.00 |
| Puzzles |
45.00 – 95.00 |
| Pencil box |
65.00 |
| Rattle ball soft |
95.00 |
